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Single File: Defensiveness (Part 2)
Continuing on this most important issue for the ladies -- defensiveness -- I'm asking you to observe yourself the next time you're with a man. Are you tense, on the edge of your seat, afraid he'll try to jump your bones? My nationwide survey found that men -- most of them, anyway -- do not expect sex on the first several dates. Could it be that ...Read more

Ask Dating Coach Erika: Should I lie about my age online?
Q: After some consideration, I decided to change my age online to 62. I just think 62 sounds better than 65 (and everyone tells me I look young for my age… and I certainly don’t feel 65). What do you think?
-- Susan, 65, Baltimore
A: I would strongly recommend against lying about your age. Yes, you'll likely get more hits, but at what ...Read more

Asking Eric: Girlfriend loves whiskey and other men
Dear Eric: I'm a 64-year-old male and I have a 59-year-old girlfriend of a couple years. My perception is that my girlfriend is constantly seeking attention from other men. For instance, we were out on an ATV ride with another couple and a third man. Our ride brought us through many miles of back country. We stopped at a bar/restaurant to use ...Read more
Friends Shorten Trip After Being Asked Not To Smoke
DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I spent a weekend with friends my husband and I met on the beach a few years ago. We all really liked each other, so it felt natural to invite them to stay with us one weekend when a lot of mutual friends were gathering since they didn't have a beach rental this year. It was great spending time with these new friends, ...Read more
Just Ask Troubled Relative How They're Doing
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have seen a close relative in the news for something nefarious. I know they must be upset by the reports, and I sincerely feel bad for them, as I know this action was out of character.
Should I acknowledge the incident and comfort them, or just ignore the whole thing? I want to let them know things will be OK, but don't ...Read more
Caught Between Sisters
Dear Annie: I am caught in a very difficult family situation. I have twin sisters-in-law, Tricia and Tanya, who have not spoken to each other in more than 25 years. To complicate things further, Tanya and her mother have also been estranged for 24 years.
I've managed to maintain good relationships with both sisters, but things have come to a ...Read more
Sister-In-Law's Mental Health Clouds Family's Future
DEAR ABBY: My brother "Joey" married a woman, "Allie," who is mentally unstable. Every couple of months, she loses her temper at me or one of my family members. It's extremely disruptive and upsetting. She has been diagnosed with type 1 bipolar disorder as well as borderline personality disorder. Joey recognizes her behavior is inappropriate but...Read more

This podcaster who will solve your emotional dilemma by pairing you with a stranger
PHILADELPHIA -- George had a problem, and he had reached out to Yowei Shaw for help.
After a decade-plus relationship, his wife had come out as queer and divorced him. (George is a Midwesterner using a pseudonym.)
Shaw, the Philly-based creator and founder of the new podcast Proxy, listened to his story and began her search for help.
The ...Read more

Asking Eric: After brother’s death, sister wants family mementos back from sister-in-law
Dear Eric: When my brother passed away many years ago, my sister-in-law kept the family photo album that belonged to him.
The family photos in my sister-in-law’s possession include many from my childhood and our larger family, as well as a few of her husband, my brother. I understand that these albums hold great sentimental value for her, and...Read more
Employee Looking To Come Out Of Their Shell
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am currently in the middle of a career pivot. For many years, I worked in corporate offices behind the scenes in operations. I still do that now in a more creative industry. In this role, I get to show my personal interests, style and creative capabilities a lot more. As a result, a lot of people have been telling me that I ...Read more
Ah, Yes, The 'you Never Asked If I Was Married' Loophole
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A few months ago, I met a man on a singles website and we began dating. Things seem to be progressing nicely between us until he blurted out that he was married.
He explained that he hoped we would continue to see each other anyway, because we got along so well. He said he'd never lied to me by telling me he was single, and ...Read more
When the Neighbor's Mess Becomes Your Problem
Dear Annie: I have lived in my house for more than 40 years. In all that time, I have done my best to be a good neighbor. I am not the type to throw block parties or socialize regularly, but I have always made a point to wave, say hello and keep a friendly atmosphere on our street. Until recently, that was enough to maintain a peaceful, ...Read more
Wedding Invitation Comes With An Unexpected Condition
DEAR ABBY: I have a special-needs son and cannot travel with him alone. I have also been in a committed relationship for two years. When my aunt's youngest daughter got married last year, I clearly stated that I would not be able to attend because of these limitations. Now her son is getting married. The family sent out an electronic invitation ...Read more

Asking Eric: Husband’s pouting keeps couple trapped
Dear Eric: I'm not happy where we live and want to move to be closer to my family. My parents are in good health now, but I’m concerned I don’t have much time left with them. However, I know if I tell my husband my feelings in wanting to move it will devastate him because this is the first time in my husband's life that he's actually enjoyed...Read more
Sibling Dislikes The Way Sister Is Parenting Her Kids
DEAR HARRIETTE: I don't think my sister and brother-in-law are doing a good job of raising their two daughters, who are 10 and 12. Whenever I visit, I notice the girls are often left to their own devices with little guidance or discipline. They talk back to adults, spend hours glued to their phones or tablets, and don't seem to have boundaries ...Read more
Constant Requests For Feedback Are Exhausting
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it wrong not to give feedback?
I am expected to "like," whether virtually or in person, every little thing seen, done or eaten by my friends. Every item I buy and every service I use, I am asked, "How're we doing?"
I don't mind this if I have a real opinion, good or bad. But for most of it, I just don't give a (bleep).
...Read more
Shifting the Blame
Dear Annie: I often see letters in your column from mothers-in-law with various complaints about their daughters-in-law. The themes are familiar: "She never invites me to activities." "She doesn't take pictures of me with the baby." "She won't let me see my grandchild."
What I find myself wondering is: Why is all of the frustration directed ...Read more
Young Child Has Front-Row Seat In Abusive Marriage
DEAR ABBY: My best friend "Pat" and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat's daughter and granddaughter, "Mandy." Pat's son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat's daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn't yell at Mommy.
Pat's ...Read more
Millennial Life: How About We Just Try Doing It Right
There's a difference between doing something and doing it right. You can check a box, sign your name, make the announcement, and hold the press conference. But that's not the same as solving a problem. And too often these days, we're watching leaders choose the performance of action over the practice of responsibility.
Doing it right doesn't ...Read more

Asking Eric: Father fears daughter has fallen for a player
Dear Eric: I have a wonderful relationship with both of my adult children. My son is married with a family. My daughter is divorced with a teenage son, and I'm very concerned about her. She has had no luck dating because, I feel, she is attracted to the wrong kind of man (players).
She finally met a man of suitable age who, at first, seemed to...Read more
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